Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson
Probably over 20-years ago now, I found a book called Speak. It was one of those books that kicked you in the face, butt and anyplace else that was exposed. Twenty years ago, sex was not really mainstream in young adult novels yet, and for sure rape was not even thought about let alone mentioned or written about. Then came Speak. I always said it was not a book about rape. I mean it is but there is so much more to it. It is […]
How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? by Jane Yolen
The illustrations of the cover tell you that this is another Jane Yolen and Mark Teague collaboration. And the cute lovely dinosaur on said cover shows you it is part of their How Do Dinosaurs…? series. The title tells you that this is How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? The format is familiar: the narrator asks does the dinosaur do X? (Something naughty or mischievous). And then you see what you should be doing to celebrate the holiday. The board book format makes it perfect […]
I Knew You Could Do It! by Nancy Tillman
I Knew You Could Do It! is classic Nancy Tillman. If you know the style of Tillman, you know this book. This gives it the comfort level of knowing there will be no surprise and you know if you will like or not. However, even if you are not a fan of Tillman’s illustrations and style of writing, there are some interesting interpretations of folktales in the art. You see Cinderella, Lion and the Mouse, Jack and the Beanstalk, Sleeping Beauty and more. Not every […]
The Buddy Bench by Patty Brozo
The Buddy Bench is an idea that a student learned of from Germany (see the afterwards of the book). It is a bench that students who want to play but are shy, have issues talking, are new, etc. can sit on to show they would like to play with someone. Then, the other students can go over and ask them to play. The rules are spelled out in the back of the book (but of course, you can modify them). One is you have to […]
If My Body Could Speak by Blythe Baird
If My Body Could Speak by Blythe Baird is another Button Poetry book. Button Poetry has some of my favorite poets due to their range of subjects, poets and the fact they can be listened to as they are spoken word/slam poems or can be read. Baird’s poems can be relatable, even if you have never experienced the things Baird has had to go through. Which range from growing up to her sexual assaults, her eating disorder, her relationships (with family and those around her), her […]
Still Can’t Do My Daughter’s Hair by William Evans
Still Can’t Do My Daughter’s Hair is another collection from the Button Poetry company. And while not all collections are for everyone and William Evans’ collection might not resonate with everyone, it probably has a broader appeal. Evans work is straight forward and (obviously) is poetic it is not “flowery” to not being able to understand the point. You see the amazing images come to life as he writes of life, death, love and being a black man in America. He speaks about his father […]
